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Clippers send C Ivica Zubac to Pacers, land two first-round picks

Thu Feb 5 2:56pm ET
Field Level Media

The Los Angeles Clippers continued their activity leading up to the trade deadline, sending center Ivica Zubac and forward Kobe Brown to the Indiana Pacers on Thursday, ESPN reported.

The Clippers are set to receive Bennedict Mathurin, Isaiah Jackson, two first-round draft picks and one second-round pick in the deal. Los Angeles' own first-round pick in the upcoming draft is owned by the Oklahoma City Thunder.

If Indiana's first-round pick this year's draft is outside of the 1-4 and 10-30 picks range, it converted to the Pacers' 2031 unprotected first-round pick, according to the report.

The 7-foot Zubac, who is in his 10th NBA season, has averaged 14.4 points with 11.0 rebounds in 43 games (42 starts) for Los Angeles this season. Brown, 26, has averaged 2.9 points in 34 games off the bench.


Mathurin, 23, is scoring 17.8 points with 5.4 rebounds in 28 games (24 starts) for the Pacers this season and 16.1 points with 4.6 rebounds in 237 games (109 starts) over four seasons with the team after he was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 draft.

Jackson, 24, is scoring 6.4 points with 5.6 rebounds in 38 games (14 starts) for Indiana.

The Clippers opened the season with a 6-21 record but turned it around while Zubac was out with an ankle injury. He has since returned following a five-game absence, with the Clippers now on a 17-6 run, although they have lost three of four.

It is the second trade of a Clippers starter in two days after the team officially sent guard James Harden to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday for guard Darius Garland.

Zubac, who did not play in Wednesday's game against the Cavaliers following the birth of his child, has averaged 10.5 points and 8.3 rebounds in 627 games (493 starts) with the Los Angeles Lakers (2016-19) and Clippers.

Player Notes
OG Anunoby Fri Feb 6 7:40pm

New York Knicks forward OG Anunoby (toe) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the Detroit Pistons. He was initially listed as probable, but has now been downgraded to out for this game. It's not shocking to see the Knicks being cautious with Anunoby after he played 48 minutes during Wednesday's game. The absence of Anunoby should mean Mohamed Diawara will move into the starting five on Friday. The rookie forward hasn't seen a consistent role in the rotation this season. He finished with five points across 14 minutes of action on Wednesday. Josh Hart might end up benefiting the most, even with Diawara drawing the start.

Tobias Harris Fri Feb 6 7:30pm

Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Harris is returning to the court after missing Thursday's game due to a hip injury. He could see an uptick in playing time with Jalen Duren (knee) being ruled out for this game. Isaiah Stewart should shift over to the center spot, which could mean more total run for Harris at the forward position. This season, Harris is averaging 13.5 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 27.7 minutes per game. He's not an elite option, but he is consistent enough to be trusted in most fantasy formats.

Jalen Duren Fri Feb 6 7:20pm

Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Friday's game against the New York Knicks. Duren was forced to make an early exit from Thursday's contest due to a knee injury. As a result, Duren was questionable coming into this game and will ultimately sit out. Without Duren available, Isaiah Stewart figures to move into the starting five. Stewart has been an inconsistent fantasy contributor this season. He should be a safer option on Friday, given Duren is unavailable. He could be worth a look for fantasy managers seeking an option for Friday's slate. Ronald Holland II and Paul Reed could also see more minutes, but Stewart is probably the best option among the three.

Gary Harris Fri Feb 6 7:10pm

Milwaukee Bucks guard Gary Harris (hamstring) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Harris is making his return to the court after missing four games due to a lingering hamstring injury. Harris wasn't playing a huge role in the rotation before the injury, but could see more minutes now with Amir Coffey being traded away. This season, Harris is averaging 2.7 points, 1.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists in 14.9 minutes per game. His playing time figures to see an uptick, but it probably won't be enough to warrant rostering him in fantasy leagues right now.

Jared McCain Fri Feb 6 7:00pm

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jared McCain doesn't appear on the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. McCain was traded to the Thunder from the Philadelphia 76ers during Thursday's trade deadline. It appears McCain is set to make his team debut against the Rockets on Saturday. He could see a significant workload right away with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (abdomen) and Ajay Mitchell (abdomen) both out. Fantasy managers in deeper leagues looking for a sneaky add might want to consider McCain. His value could fade once the Thunder gets healthy, but he figures to see consistent minutes right now.

Chet Holmgren Fri Feb 6 6:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder center Chet Holmgren (back) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Holmgren sat out of Wednesday's contest for injury management reasons, but will return this weekend. He has been a key contributor for the Thunder this season. He's averaging 17.7 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists in 29.2 minutes per game this season. His return to the rotation will shift Kenrich Williams back to the second unit. Fantasy managers can return the star big man to their lineups for Saturday's slate.

Isaiah Hartenstein Fri Feb 6 6:50pm

Oklahoma City Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein (eye) has been removed from the injury report ahead of Saturday's game against the Houston Rockets. Hartenstein is back after sitting out Wednesday's game due to a corneal abrasion. He missed significant time due to a calf injury and has only played in three games since returning on January 29. During that span, Hartenstein is averaging 9.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists in 21.0 minutes of action. The expectation is that he'll likely remain on a minutes restriction for Saturday's game. That will hurt his value in DFS contests, but fantasy managers in season-long formats can get Hartenstein active this weekend.

Julius Randle Fri Feb 6 6:40pm

Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Julius Randle (thumb) will play on Friday against the New Orleans Pelicans. He is ready to show his former team what they are missing, shedding a questionable tag Randle picked up because of a sore left thumb. Impressively, Randle has yet to miss any games this season. He's had a great campaign in Minnesota, though Randle's numbers have dipped slightly over the last 10 games. He has notched 20.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists over that span.

Karl-Anthony Towns Fri Feb 6 6:30pm

New York Knicks forward/center Karl-Anthony Towns (eye) won't play on Friday against the Detroit Pistons, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. Due to a right eye laceration, the Knicks listed Toews as questionable on the initial injury report. He was downgraded to doubtful earlier on Friday and has now been ruled out. His absence will likely give Mitchell Robinson the starting center role, while Ariel Hukporti will get a chance to log extended minutes off the bench. Whether Robinson starts or not, his stats have stayed about the same throughout the season. Towns' first chance to return will be on Sunday against the Boston Celtics.

Josh Hart Fri Feb 6 6:30pm

New York Knicks guard/forward Josh Hart (ankle) will suit up against the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Stefan Bondy of the New York Post reports. The versatile veteran is dealing with a sprained left ankle, but he is ready to play. New York listed Hart as questionable on the initial injury report before upgrading him to probable earlier in the day. Hart has averaged 12.8 points, 7.4 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.0 steals across his last eight outings.

Bobby Portis Fri Feb 6 6:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (hip) has been upgraded to available ahead of Friday's game against the Indiana Pacers. Portis is back after missing each of the last two games due to a hip injury. The expectation is that he'll be a full-go and won't be limited after missing two games. This season, Portis is averaging 13.2 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.7 assists in 24.4 minutes per game. He has been playing more minutes lately, with 36 minutes or more in four of his last five games. Portis is looking like a solid streaming option ahead of Friday's slate.

Josh Giddey Fri Feb 6 6:20pm

Chicago Bulls point guard Josh Giddey (hamstring) won't be available on Saturday against the Denver Nuggets. A left hamstring strain will keep him off the floor for a sixth consecutive game. With Tre Jones (hamstring) also out, the Bulls debuted a new-look backcourt against Toronto on Thursday. Newly acquired Anfernee Simons and Jaden Ivey both started, with the former scoring a team-high 22 points. Ivey made an impact with 13 points and six assists. The two look like solid fantasy options again for Saturday's action.

Cameron Johnson Fri Feb 6 6:10pm

Denver Nuggets forward Cameron Johnson (knee) was upgraded to questionable on the injury report ahead of Saturday's clash against the Chicago Bulls. He is closing in on his return to the lineup, and Johnson's comeback would come at a great time for the Nuggets, who have just lost Peyton Watson (hamstring) for several weeks. However, because he has not played since Dec. 23, Johnson will likely see limited minutes when he first comes back. Johnson has been inconsistent during his first year in Denver, averaging 11.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 2.4 assists in 30.6 minutes per game.

Stephen Curry Fri Feb 6 6:00pm

Golden State Warriors point guard Stephen Curry (knee) doesn't have a timeline for his return, ESPN's Anthony Slater reports. The former MVP is set to miss a third straight game on Saturday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Curry has been dealing with "runner's knee" for a while. With Curry sidelined, Gui Santos has made back-to-back starts, providing a little bit of everything. At the same time, backcourt players like De'Anthony Melton and Pat Spencer also have more fantasy appeal. They slotted into the starting lineup as well on Thursday against Phoenix, with Spencer producing a team-high 20 points.

Nikola Jokic Fri Feb 6 6:00pm

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (ankle) is considered questionable for Saturday's meeting with the Chicago Bulls. After returning from a knee issue, Jokic has picked up an ankle injury. Since rejoining the lineup, Jokic has averaged 25.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 6.8 assists in 33.0 minutes per game. His absence on Saturday would open the door for extended minutes for Jonas Valanciunas and Zeke Nnaji, with the former set to move into the starting unit. As a starter this season, Valanciunas has pushed his productivity to 15.3 points and 10.8 rebounds per game.

Miles McBride Fri Feb 6 5:40pm

New York Knicks guard Miles McBride (abdomen) will miss 6-8 weeks, SNY's Ian Begley reports. He could be out for the rest of the regular season following core muscle surgery. McBride's absence will leave the Knicks without an important rotational piece. The 25-year-old has averaged a career-high 12.9 points this season, along with 2.6 rebounds and 2.8 assists. However, the arrival of Jose Alvarado from New Orleans will help fill the backcourt void. Landry Shamet and Jordan Clarkson could also be more involved in the rotation going forward.

Domantas Sabonis Fri Feb 6 5:30pm

Sacramento Kings forward/center Domantas Sabonis (back) has been ruled out for Friday's matchup against the Los Angeles Clippers. On Wednesday, Sabonis returned from a back problem against the Memphis Grizzlies, but he will be out again on Friday night. This will mark his third absence in four games. Maxime Raynaud is set to return to the first unit against the Clippers, while fellow rookie Dylan Cardwell should also see healthy minutes at the No. 5 spot. As a starter, Raynaud has provided 11.3 points and 8.2 rebounds per game.

Kyle Kuzma Fri Feb 6 5:30pm

Milwaukee Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma (calf) won't play on Friday against the Indiana Pacers. The team has ruled him out with left calf soreness. Milwaukee has also listed Bobby Portis (hip) as questionable for the game, meaning the frontcourt could be thin on Friday night. As a result, Jericho Sims and Pete Nance could see extended minutes, while newly arrived Ousmane Dieng will also be available against the Pacers. Additionally, there would be additional offensive touches available if Portis joins Kuzma on the shelf.

Peyton Watson Fri Feb 6 5:20pm

Denver Nuggets forward Peyton Watson (hamstring) will be re-evaluated in four weeks, the team announced on Friday. Watson was injured in Wednesday's double-overtime loss to the New York Knicks and has been diagnosed with a right hamstring strain. The injury will pause Watson's breakout season, as he is averaging 14.9 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 blocks, and 1.0 steals. Watson's absence will improve the fantasy outlook for Spencer Jones, Bruce Brown, and Tim Hardaway Jr. While Jones has held a regular starting role this season, Brown and Hardaway Jr. have more fantasy upside.

Dominick Barlow Fri Feb 6 8:50am

Philadelphia 76ers forward/center Dominick Barlow (contract) signed a standard deal ahead of Thursday's matchup with the Lakers, securing his place in the rotation after recent starts. Over his last five games, Barlow is averaging 12.4 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.6 steals on 56.1 percent shooting in 26.5 minutes, offering efficient low-usage production. His short-term role benefits from Paul George's suspension, but touches still funnel through Tyrese Maxey, Joel Embiid, and Kelly Oubre Jr., with VJ Edgecombe also involved. Barlow remains a fringe option, with clearer upside on nights Embiid rests.


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